Electrosurgical Balloons

ABSTRACT

An electrosurgical balloon includes an inflatable balloon body formed of a non-conductive substrate material. One or more electrodes are disposed on an exterior surface of the balloon body. The electrodes can include a pair of bipolar electrodes, and the balloon body can have at least one fluid outlet hole configured to provide fluid to the pair of bipolar electrodes. A second inflatable balloon body can be disposed inside the first inflatable balloon body. The electrosurgical balloon can be incorporated into a catheter assembly, in which the electrosurgical balloon is a balloon electrode tip at a distal end of a catheter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to medical devices, particularly to anelectrosurgical balloon having one or more electrodes disposed on anexterior surface of the balloon, and a bipolar electrode configurationin which a pair of bipolar electrodes are disposed on an exteriorsurface of the balloon.

2. Background Art

Medicine is providing ever-increasing demands for devices that cannavigate narrow passageways to a desired location within a body so thatdiagnostic and therapeutic procedures can be performed at that location.Currently, elongated medical devices such as catheters can extend into abody from outside via an access point through various connectedpassageways to a target location. It is sometimes desirable to performelectrosurgical procedures at the target location.

An electrosurgical procedure involves a medical device having anelectrode tip that is electrically energized to perform a procedure suchas coagulation, dissection, desiccation and cautery. The electricalenergy can be provided in either direct current (DC) form or inalternating current (AC) form. Low frequency electrical energy,including DC, can stimulate muscle and nerves and have potentiallyundesirable outcomes, such as cardiac arrest, if not properly handled.Higher frequency electrical energy, and in particular electrical energyin the radiofrequency (RF) range (e.g., about 3 kilohertz to about 300gigahertz), may not stimulate muscle or nerves, and therefore may bebetter suited to core and coagulate tissue. An electrode tip energizedby ultrasonic energy can also be used to perform electrosurgicalprocedures such as coagulation and tissue ablation.

Modern day elongated medical devices can provide percutaneous access toinner organs and other tissue, and can allow clinicians to navigate toremote and narrow locations within a body. To provide such percutaneousaccess, these elongated medical devices must meet a variety ofrequirements such as a desired length, a sufficiently small outerdiameter to permit navigation to narrow body passageways, andsufficiently large inner diameter to permit delivery of the requiredfunctionality to the remote location. In the case of an elongatedmedical device having an RF-powered electrode tip, for example, thedevice can have an inner diameter sufficiently large to transfer therequired energy to the electrode tip. To guide the electrode tip to thetarget site within a body, the elongated medical device including theelectrode tip can be deployed into the body through a small trocar. Theelongated medical device is advanced in the body to the target site inthe body, and the electrode tip is energized at the target site toperform the electrosurgical procedure. An elongated delivery system(e.g., a delivery catheter and/or guidewire) can be used to guide theelongated medical device through the body to the target site.

Electrode tips delivering RF energy can be monopolar or bipolar. Amonopolar tip includes one electrode, and a ground pad electrode islocated on the patient. Energy applied through the electrode travelsthrough the patient to ground, typically the ground pad. With a bipolartip, the ground pad electrode located on the patient is eliminated andreplaced with a second electrode pole as part of the tip. These activeand return electrodes of a bipolar tip are typically positioned closetogether to ensure that, upon application of electrical energy, currentflows directly from the active to the return electrode. Bipolar tips canbe advantageous compared to monopolar tips because the return currentpath only minimally flows through the patient. In bipolar tips, both theactive and return electrode are typically exposed so they may bothcontact tissue, thereby providing a return current path from the activeto the return electrode through the tissue. Also, the depth of tissuepenetration may be advantageously less with a bipolar tip than with amonopolar tip. Whether monopolar or bipolar, electrode tips made ofrigid materials govern the size and shape of the electrode tip that canbe deployed through a small trocar and through narrow passageways in thebody. The size and shape of the electrode tip can affect thefunctionality and performance capabilities of the electrode tip at aremote surgical site in the body.

BRIEF SUMMARY

What is needed is an electrode tip that can have a size and shape toachieve desired functionality and performance capabilities at a surgicalsite, with minimal or no size restrictions arising from the diameter ofthe elongated medical device, the trocar, and/or the delivery catheter.The present invention satisfies the above needs and provides furtherrelated advantages as will be made apparent by the description of theembodiments that follow.

Electrosurgical balloons and catheter assemblies employingelectrosurgical balloons as electrode tips are presented. In someembodiments, an electrosurgical balloon includes an inflatable balloonbody formed of a non-conductive substrate material, a pair of bipolarelectrodes disposed on an exterior surface of the balloon body, and atleast one fluid outlet hole in the balloon body. The fluid outlet holecan be configured to provide a conductive fluid from a fluid source tothe pair of bipolar electrodes. The pair of bipolar electrodes include afirst electrode and a second electrode in a bipolar electrodeconfiguration.

In some embodiments, a catheter assembly includes a catheter and aballoon electrode tip. The catheter includes an elongated body having adistal end portion to which the balloon electrode tip is attached. Theballoon electrode tip includes an inflatable balloon body formed of anon-conductive substrate material, a pair of bipolar electrodes disposedon an exterior surface of the balloon body, and at least one fluidoutlet hole in the balloon body configured to provide a fluid from afluid source to the pair of bipolar electrodes.

In some embodiments, a catheter assembly includes a first catheter, asecond catheter, and a balloon electrode tip. The first catheterincludes a first elongated body having a first distal end portion, andthe second catheter includes a second elongated body having a seconddistal end portion and a lumen. The first catheter is disposed withinthe lumen. The balloon electrode tip is attached to the first distal endportion, and includes an outer inflatable balloon body formed of anon-conductive substrate material, an inner inflatable balloon bodydisposed inside the outer inflatable balloon body, and an electrodedisposed on an exterior surface of the outer balloon body.

Methods of using a balloon electrode tip to treat tissue are alsopresented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a partof the specification, illustrate the present invention and, togetherwith the description, further serve to explain the principles of theinvention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to makeand use the invention. In the drawings, like reference numbers, letters,or renderings indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a catheter assembly having aballoon electrode tip in an inflated configuration according to anembodiment presented herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 1having the balloon electrode tip in a deflated configuration accordingto an embodiment presented herein.

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of the balloon electrode tip ofFIG. 1 with electrodes disposed on a distal end of the balloon accordingto an embodiment presented herein.

FIG. 3B illustrates a perspective view of the balloon electrode tip ofFIG. 1 with electrodes disposed on a side of the balloon according to anembodiment presented herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a catheter assembly having aballoon electrode tip in a deflated configuration according to anembodiment presented herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of a catheter assembly having a balloonelectrode tip in an inflated configuration according to an embodimentpresented herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the catheterassembly of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded side view of the catheter assembly ofFIG. 5.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate perspective views of exemplary balloon shapes ofballoon electrode tips according to embodiments presented herein.

FIG. 9A illustrates a side view of a catheter assembly having a balloonelectrode tip in a deflated configuration according to an embodimentpresented herein.

FIG. 9B illustrates a side view of the catheter assembly of FIG. 9Ahaving the balloon electrode tip in an inflated configuration accordingto an embodiment presented herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of a catheter assembly having a balloonelectrode tip in an inflated configuration according to an embodimentpresented herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. In case of conflict, thepresent application including the definitions will control. Also, unlessotherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralitiesand plural terms shall include the singular. All publications, patentsand other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference intheir entireties for all purposes.

The term “invention” or “present invention” as used herein is anon-limiting term and is not intended to refer to any single embodimentof the particular invention but encompasses all possible embodiments asdescribed in the application.

According to some embodiments of the present invention, anelectrosurgical balloon includes one or more electrodes integrated ontothe exterior surface of an expandable balloon (i.e., a balloon that canbe expanded by inflation with a gas or liquid). The balloon can formedof a non-conductive substrate material. The electrosurgical balloon canbe incorporated into a catheter assembly. The balloon can be disposed ata distal end of an elongated medical device (e.g., a catheter) toprovide the catheter with electrosurgical functionality. Catheter leadwire(s) that can be connected to a power source at a proximal end of thecatheter are carried by the catheter to the catheter's distal end toconnect with the electrode(s).

The one or more electrodes can be formed of any suitable material. Forexample, the electrode(s) can be a biocompatible conductive wire (suchas stainless steel or titanium) adhered to the exterior surface of theballoon, or the electrode(s) can be formed of a conductive ink applied(e.g., by a printing or stamping process) to the surface of the balloonsubstrate material. The wire or conductive ink electrode(s) on theballoon's surface can include an exposed electrode portion (for tissuetreatment at a surgical site) and a lead portion (formed of wire orconductive ink). The electrode lead portion can be soldered to a distalend portion of the catheter lead wire(s). The solder connections and theelectrode lead portion can be insulated (e.g., using an insulativematerial (such as ink or paint that is nonconductive) deposited over aconductive ink electrode, or using an insulative sheath on a wireelectrode). The conductive ink for forming an electrode can include inkor paint formed of conductive materials such as, for example, metallicparticles (e.g., powdered or flaked silver), carbon, conductive polymersor similar materials. The conductive ink can also include a compliantmaterial that allows dry conductive ink on the balloon to spread withballoon expansion, thereby maintaining the conductive pathway from thecatheter lead wire to the electrode lead portion to the exposedelectrode portion.

The proximal end of the balloon can be mounted to a rigid ring which isfed into the distal end of the catheter, and the rigid ring can be thesite for soldering of the electrode lead portion with the catheter leadwire. The balloon can be made of compliant material (e.g., silicone,latex) or non-compliant material (e.g., PVC, PE, PET). The balloonmaterial can be porous or non-porous with respect to the fluid used forinflation (e.g., saline). The balloon can have a double diameter (with asmaller diameter proximal end and a larger diameter distal end) forstability and to facilitate mounting to the catheter. The balloon can beany configuration or shape (e.g., tubular, spherical) and can be varioussizes, allowing the balloon to be designed for a myriad of therapies.The size and shape of the balloon when inflated a given inflation amountcan be tailored based on the anatomical site(s) where the balloon isintended to be deployed for an electrosurgical operation, as well as thesize of the patient (e.g., sized for adult anatomies (i.e., acomparatively large balloon size) or sized for infant anatomies (i.e., acomparatively small balloon size)).

The electrosurgical balloon can be provided with a monopolar (single)electrode system or a bipolar (double) electrode system. Theelectrode(s) can be configured to provide an appropriate wattage for thetreatment. For example, for bipolar RF treatments in some embodiments,the bipolar electrodes of the electrosurgical balloon can be suppliedwith RF energy in a range of from about 2 to about 60, from about 10 toabout 50, from about 15 to about 45, or from about 10 to about 30 watts.In some embodiments, an electrosurgical procedure is conducted with thebipolar electrodes of the electrosurgical balloon using about 18 wattsof RF energy. The level of electrical power used in conjunction with abipolar system (as well as monopolar system) can be varied and optimizedfor a particular application, and, if sufficiently high, can generateheat sufficient to dissect, coagulate, or otherwise heat-treat thetissue to which it is applied. This can render the tissue suitable for avariety of surgical procedures, such as, for example, blunt dissection.Exemplary tissue treatment procedures that can employ the balloonelectrodes described herein include, for example, dissection andcoagulation as mentioned above, as well as blunt dissection withcoagulation, spot coagulation, and coagulation of large tissue planes.

The inflation amount of a balloon is adjustable, thereby allowingindividualized size adjustments at the surgical site of a particularpatient. The inflation amount (measured by the internal pressure (e.g.,psi) in the balloon) can be varied to improve the conformability of theballoon to tissue surfaces, even on irregular tissue surfaces. Greaterconformability of the balloon to the tissue surface can increase theelectrode area in contact with tissue, which may result in reducedtreatment times and/or reduced power requirements. Non-compliantballoons can assure a distance between electrodes, and ensure theinflated balloon size and shape is substantially maintained to apredetermined configuration. The inflation amount can also be used toadjust the gap between bipolar electrodes if the balloon is compliant.For RF treatments, variation in the gap between bipolar electrodes canvary the RF application to the tissue. For example, the closer thebipolar electrodes are to each other the more focused the RF energy thatis applied to the area between the electrodes, permitting deeperpenetration of the RF energy into the tissue in that area. In someembodiments, one or more of the electrode(s) on the balloon surface areconfigured to deliver ultrasonic therapies. In some embodiments, theelectrosurgical balloon is configured to provide both. RF applicationsand ultrasonic applications.

In some embodiments, a bipolar electrode pair is provided on theexterior surface of the balloon. The electrode pair includes a firstelectrode (e.g., active electrode) serving as a first pole of a bipolarelectrode configuration and a second electrode (e.g., return electrode)serving as a second pole of the bipolar electrode configuration. Theelectrodes are separated from each other on the balloon's exteriorsurface, and are insulated from each other by the separation area formedby the non-conductive balloon substrate material. Weeping holes areprovided in the balloon substrate material. After delivery to thetreatment site in its deflated state, the balloon can be inflated with afluid. A portion of the fluid can exit through the weeping holes. Theweeping holes are specifically positioned in the balloon so as to ensurethat fluid exiting the balloon is provided to the pair of electrodes soas to fluidly connect the electrodes together. In some embodiments, thefluid used to inflate the balloon is a conductive fluid (e.g., saline).The weeping holes in the balloon allow the conductive fluid to flow(“weep”) to the pair of electrodes. The wept conductive fluid producesan electric coupling to the treatment site by providing a conductivepathway for energy to flow between the pair of electrodes at thetreatment site. Moreover, the weeping of fluid can mitigate any thermalexpansion of the balloon arising from heat dissipating from theenergized electrodes.

The weeping holes can be configured to open to release the conductivefluid only once the balloon has been expanded to a given inflationamount. For example, a complaint (e.g., silicone) balloon can be formedby dipping a mandrel in silicon and curing the silicon, as known to oneof skill in the art. The mandrel can be configured to form a balloonhaving areas of differing thickness. For example, the mandrel can beprovided with dimples (or alternatively, bumps), which formcorresponding bumps (or alternatively, corresponding dimples) in theballoon that have a greater thickness than the remainder of the balloon.These bumps (or dimples) in the balloon serve as the sites for pinholes, which can be formed in the bumps (or dimples) of the balloon inthe deflated configuration. The thickness of the bump (or dimple) to thesize of the pin hole is such that the hole is effectively too small forrelease of the conductive fluid when the balloon is deflated, but opensto form the weeping hole once the balloon is inflated. Alternatively,the balloon can be provided with a uniform thickness (withoutdimples/bumps) so that the pin holes can be provided anywhere in theballoon. The balloon thickness to the size of the pin hole is such thatthe pin holes are too small for release of the conductive fluid when theballoon is deflated, but opens to form the weeping holes once theballoon is inflated. Alternatively or in addition to the weeping holesthat are configured to open only upon balloon inflation, the balloon maybe provided with weeping holes configured to be always open regardlessof the state of inflation of the balloon.

In some embodiments, in addition to weeping holes, drug delivery holescan be provided in the balloon for delivery of drugs from a drug sourceto the treatment site. Thus, both electrosurgical andpharmaceutical-based therapies can be applied to the treatment siteusing the electrosurgical balloon.

In some embodiments, the electrosurgical balloon can include twoballoons: an outer balloon and an inner balloon (see, e.g., catheterassembly 200 described below with references to FIGS. 5-7). The outerballoon can be provided with one or more electrodes on its exteriorsurface as described above. The inner balloon (disposed inside thechamber of the outer balloon) provides support to the outer balloon.Each of the inner and outer balloons can be made of a compliant ornon-compliant material. Each of the inner and outer balloons areinflatable, and each can be inflated with a fluid from a fluid source.When the electrosurgical balloon is deployed (i.e., inflated at thetreatment site), the outer balloon can be adjustably inflated withfluid, whereas the inner balloon can always filled with fluid (withoutadjustment).

In some embodiments, the outer balloon is made of a compliant material,and the inner balloon is made of a non-compliant material. In someembodiments, the outer balloon is made of a non-compliant material, andthe inner balloon is made of a compliant material. In some embodiments,both the inner and outer balloons are made of a compliant material, andin other embodiments, both the inner and outer balloons are made of anon-compliant material. The fluid can be a gas (e.g., air) or a liquid(e.g., saline). In some embodiments, the outer balloon is configured tobe inflated with a liquid, and the inner balloon is configured to beinflated with a gas. In some embodiments, the outer balloon is providedwith a pair of electrodes having a bipolar electrode configuration. Insuch embodiments, the outer balloon can be selectively inflated withfluid from a fluid source and has weeping holes for dispensing the fluidto the pair of electrodes as earlier described. The inner balloon can beused for support and keeping the electrodes on the outer balloon inplace during tissue treatment, while the outer balloon can be controlledto vary the inflation amount and pressure so as to control the amount offluid that weeps, the surface area contact, and the distance betweenbipolar electrodes.

In some embodiments, the catheter can be slidably disposed within alumen of an outer catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter can befully retracted within the outer catheter so that the deflated ballooncan reside in the lumen of the outer catheter until deployed at thetreatment site. In some embodiments, the balloon is attached to both thedistal end of the inner catheter and the distal end of the outercatheter. When the balloon is inflated, movement of the inner catheterrelative to the outer catheter can force the balloon out of or into thelumen of the outer catheter, and the application of such force canchange the shape and internal pressure of the balloon. This relativemovement of the catheters can be used to control the balloon area incontact with the tissue. The movement can be used to control the amountof fluid that weeps and, for bipolar embodiments, the distance betweenbipolar electrodes.

In some embodiments, the catheter assembly constituted by the catheterand the electrosurgical balloon (serving as the balloon electrode tip)in its deflated configuration can extend through the lumen of a 2-Frenchor larger catheter. In operation, the catheter assembly (including theinner catheter, the outer catheter if provided, and the electrosurgicalballoon) can be delivered through a trocar to a percutaneous treatmentsite using a delivery system. As an example only and not by way oflimitation, a delivery catheter is inserted through the trocar to aspecific treatment site. A guidewire is inserted through the deliverycatheter to the treatment site. The delivery catheter is removed, andthe catheter assembly is advanced along the guidewire to the site. Theelectrosurgical balloon is extended from the outer catheter (ifprovided) at the site and inflated. The electrode(s) on the balloon'sexterior surface are energized and targeted tissue is contacted with theenergized balloon electrode tip. After the electrosurgical procedure isconducted, the guidewire and the catheter assembly are be removed eithersimultaneously or sequentially in any order.

The electrosurgical balloon according to embodiments presented hereinallows increased surface area to be in contact with the targeted tissuebeyond the standard 5 mm trocar diameter of typical laparoscopicinstruments. Thus, a catheter assembly including the electrosurgicalballoon allows delivery of a large electrode system through a smalltrocar. The electrosurgical balloon can allow electrosurgical proceduresto be conducted using an electrode system that has a size and shape toachieve desired functionality and performance capabilities at thesurgical site, with minimal or no size restrictions arising from thediameter of the catheter assembly, the trocar, and/or the deliverycatheter.

Embodiments of the electrosurgical balloon described herein can be usedfor many procedures, including percutaneous treatment of aneurysms,treatment of mitral valve regurgitation by tightening the annulus aroundthe mitral valve, treatments in the upper and lower gastrointestinaltract (GI) (including, e.g., bleeding varices, ulcers, caustic poisons,Crohn's disease), diverticulosis, varicose veins, sympathetic nerves(e.g., renal denervation by RF ablation), tumors, gene and stem celltherapies, and other surgical procedures in which treatment can includevessel sealing/coagulation, tissue shrinkage, and/or tissue ablation.

To further illustrate electrosurgical balloons and catheter assembliesdisclosed herein, exemplary embodiments will now be described withreference to the Figures. It should be understood that any features ofan embodiment disclosed herein can be combined with any features of anyother embodiment disclosed herein, without departing from the scope ofthe present disclosure. Thus, any of the features of the electrosurgicalballoons and catheter assemblies described above can be combined withany features of the exemplary embodiments described below with referenceto the Figures.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary catheter assembly 100 according toan embodiment presented herein. Catheter assembly 100 includes an outercatheter 110, an inner catheter 130, and a balloon electrode tip 120.FIG. 1 illustrates balloon electrode tip 120 in an inflatedconfiguration, and FIG. 2 illustrates tip 120 in a deflatedconfiguration.

Outer catheter 110 has an elongated body 112 with a lumen 116. Lumen 116can extend from a proximal end portion (not shown) to a distal endportion 114. Inner catheter 130 is disposed within lumen 116 of outercatheter 110. Inner catheter 130 has an elongated body 132 and a distalend portion 134. In some embodiments, balloon electrode tip 120 isattached to distal end portion 134 of inner catheter 130. In someembodiments, balloon electrode tip 120 is also attached to distal endportion 114 of outer catheter 110. FIG. 3A illustrates balloon electrodetip 120 (absent catheters 110 and 130). Balloon electrode tip 120includes an inflatable balloon body 122 having an exterior surface 124on which is disposed a pair of bipolar electrodes 156 a and 156 b.Balloon body 122 can be made of compliant or non-compliant material.Balloon body 122 can be inflated with a fluid (e.g., gas or liquid), andin some embodiments, balloon body is inflated with conductive fluid(e.g., saline) supplied from a fluid source. Inflation of balloon body122 can be achieved by dispensing fluid into the interior chamber ofballoon body 122 from one or more fluid outlet openings provided ineither outer catheter 110 or inner catheter 130. In the embodiment shownin FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of fluid outlet openings 136 are providedin distal end portion 134 of inner catheter 130. Inner catheter 130 canhave a lumen communicating with openings 136. The lumen forms a fluidchannel for supplying fluid from a fluid source at a proximal end ofinner catheter 130 to fluid outlet openings 136.

In embodiments where balloon body 122 is attached to outer catheter 110,fluid can be supplied into balloon body 122 via a fluid supply lumen inouter catheter 110. Fluid supply from outer catheter 110 (not shown) canbe an alternative to or in addition to dispensing fluid from innercatheter 130 via openings 136. For example, outer catheter 110 caninclude a lumen that communicates with the interior chamber of balloonbody 122 for filling balloon body 122 with fluid supplied from thelumen.

Balloon body 122 is provided with a plurality of weeping holes 126 whichexpel a portion of the fluid inflating balloon body 122. In someembodiments as described above, weeping holes 126 can be configured asvalves that remain closed when balloon body 122 is deflated but whichare opened when balloon body 122 is inflated to a given minimuminflation amount and/or internal pressure.

Electrodes 156 a and 156 b can be placed anywhere on exterior surface124 of balloon body 122. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3A,electrodes 156 a and 156 b are disposed on the distal end of balloonbody 122 (e.g., at hemispherical portion 164). Such electrode placementmay be desirable for therapies requiring clearing of clogged vessels,whereby the electrodes at the distal end can be used to ablate theclogging tissue. For therapies requiring sealing of vessels or removalof tissue at sidewalls of a body lumen, it may be desirable to positionelectrodes 156 a and 156 b at a side of balloon body 122 (e.g., atcylindrical portion 162 a), such as illustrated in an embodiment of aballoon electrode tip 120′ shown in FIG. 3B. As shown in the embodimentsof FIGS. 3A and 3B, weeping holes 126 are located in balloon body 122 ina region extending between the electrodes 156 a and 156 b. Whenconductive fluid is used to inflate balloon body 122 and weeps fromholes 126, the wept conductive fluid exists in the region extendingbetween the electrodes 156 a and 156 b and provides an electricalpathway adjoining electrodes 156 a and 156 b. In this manner, theplacement of weeping holes 126 is determined in relation to theplacement of electrodes 156 a and 156 b to ensure that fluid exiting theweeping holes 126 is provided to the electrodes to fluidly connect themtogether.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A and 3B, bipolar electrodes 156a and 156 b are formed of conductive ink and include respective exposed,conductive electrode portions (at 156 a and 156 b) and respective leadportions 158 a and 158 b, whose exterior surfaces have been covered byan insulative material 155. Electrode lead portions 158 a and 158 b (andinsulative material 155) extend proximally from the exposed electrodeportions to a proximal portion 166 of balloon body 122 (see FIG. 3A). Atproximal portion 166 of balloon body 122, electrode lead portions 158 aand 158 b meet catheter lead wires 118 a and 118 b (shown in phantom inFIGS. 1 and 2) at distal end portion 114 of outer catheter 110. Catheterlead wires 118 a and 118 b are connected to a power source (not shown)at the proximal end portion of outer catheter 110.

In some embodiments, a rigid ring 140 can be mounted on the exterior ofa cylindrical portion 166 a (see FIG. 3A) of proximal portion 166 overelectrode lead portions 158 a and 158 b. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, thecatheter lead wires 118 a and 118 b can extend onto the interior surfaceof ring 140 facing the cylindrical portion 166 a to meet electrode leadportions 158 a and 158 b at a solder site 159, and ring 140 can serve asa substrate for soldering of electrode lead portions 158 a and 158 b tothe catheter lead wires 118 a and 118 b at solder site 159. In theembodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, ring 140 is secured within lumen 116 ofouter catheter 110 (e.g., by an interference fit, adhesive, a bayonetlocking mechanism, and/or other known attachment methods), therebyattaching proximal portion 166 of balloon body 122 to distal end portion114 of outer catheter 110. Other methods as known in the art can also beemployed for attaching proximal portion 166 of the balloon body to theouter catheter 110.

A distal portion of balloon body 120 can be attached to distal endportion 134 of inner catheter 130. As shown in FIG. 3A, balloon body 122can include a distal portion 162 having a hemispherical portion 164extending proximally to a cylindrical portion 162 a. Hemisphericalportion 164 includes an attachment portion 128 at a distal end 129 b ofballoon body 122. Attachment portion 128 attaches to distal end portion134 of inner catheter 130. In some embodiments, attachment portion 128is a rigid ring which can be secured to the outside of inner catheter(as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) or secured within a lumen of inner catheter130. The attachment between attachment portion 128 and inner catheter130 can be achieved by an interference fit, adhesive, a bayonet lockingmechanism, and/or other known attachment methods. Other methods as knownin the art can also be employed for attaching of balloon body 122 toinner catheter 130 at distal end 129 b of balloon body 122.

At a proximal end 129 a of balloon body 122 (extending proximally fromcylindrical portion 166 a) is a cylindrical portion which forms a throat123 of balloon body 122. Throat 123 has a proximal opening 123 a forreceiving inner catheter 130 into the interior chamber of balloon body122. Throat 123 can have a diameter corresponding to either the outerdiameter of inner catheter 130. Inner catheter 130 and throat 123 canhave a fluid-tight sealing engagement, thereby permitting fluiddispensed from outlet openings 136 to fill the interior chamber ofballoon body 122 and inflate balloon body 122.

When balloon body 122 is inflated, cylindrical portion 162 a of distalportion 162 can abut against the distal end of outer catheter 110 asshown in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, distal end portion 114 of outercatheter 110 can be made of softer durometer material than the proximalend portion of outer catheter 110, to help prevent distal end portion114 from compromising the elasticity of balloon body 122 (if made ofcompliant material), and/or to prevent piercing balloon body 122 onceinflated.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, balloon body 122 has adouble diameter, in which distal portion 162 of balloon body 122 has onediameter and proximal portion 166 has another diameter. In theembodiments of FIGS. 3A and 3B, cylindrical portion 166 a extendingproximally from cylindrical portion 162 a has a diameter that is lessthan that of cylindrical portion 162 a in an inflated configuration. Insome embodiments, balloon body 122 is attached to outer catheter 110 viaring 140, such as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Insuch embodiments, the diameter of proximal cylindrical portion 166 a cancorrespond with the diameter of ring 140 and likewise the inner diameterof lumen 116 which receives ring 140. Thus, cylindrical portion 166 acan serve as a site where balloon body 122 is attached to outer catheter110. Cylindrical portion 166 a can also serve as a supporting base fordistal cylindrical portion 162 a to provide stability to distal portion162 of balloon body 122. Enhancing the stability of distal portion 162can help ensure that the exposed electrode portions of electrodes 156 aand 156 b on distal portion 162 can be steadily placed in contact withtarget tissue. In the embodiments of FIGS. 3A and 3B, distal portion 162has a larger diameter than proximal portion 166 in an inflatedconfiguration. In other embodiments, a double diameter balloon body canbe provided in which distal portion 162 has a smaller diameter thanproximal portion 166 in an inflated configuration.

FIG. 4 illustrates a catheter assembly 100′ according to an embodimentpresented herein. Catheter assembly 100′ is a variation of catheterassembly 100 and differs in that balloon body 122 is not attached toouter catheter 110. In FIG. 4, elements with similar or identicalfunction and configuration as those previously described for catheterassembly 100 are denoted with identical reference numbers, and thereforedetailed explanation of such elements may be omitted or abbreviated. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 4 (showing balloon body 122 in its deflatedconfiguration), balloon body 122 is attached to inner catheter 130 atattachment portion 128 (at distal end 129 b, see FIG. 3A) and at throat123 (at proximal end 129 a, see FIG. 3A). A rigid ring 140′ is providedaround the exterior of throat 123 and serves as a soldering substratefor electrically connecting electrode lead portions 158 a and 158 b withcatheter lead wires 118 a and 118 b at solder site 159 (catheter leadwires not shown in the view of FIG. 4; see, e.g., catheter lead wires118 a and 118 b shown the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2). In theembodiment of FIG. 4, ring 140′ crimps throat 123 onto the outside ofinner catheter 130, and provides a fluid-tight seal between throat 123of balloon body 122 and distal end portion 134 of inner catheter 130.Other methods as known in the art can also be employed for attaching ofballoon body 122 to inner catheter 130 at throat 123.

In any of the embodiments described herein, inner catheter 130 can beslidably disposed within lumen 116 of outer catheter 110. In theembodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, at least a portion of distal end portion134 of inner catheter can be retracted inside lumen 116. In someembodiments, distal end portion 134 of inner catheter can retract amajority of deflated balloon body 122 inside lumen 116, which canprovide protection to balloon electrode tip (e.g., tip 120 or 120′ orother electrode tip embodiments described herein) until deployment atthe surgical site. In comparison with catheter assembly 100, becauseballoon body 122 is not attached to outer catheter 110 in the embodimentof FIG. 4, distal end 134 of inner catheter 130 can retract the entiretyof balloon body 122 inside lumen 116 of outer catheter 110.

The inflation amount and internal pressure of balloon body 122 can bevaried to control the fluid flow rate of fluid from weeping holes 126and to assist in achieving desired electrode contact on tissue surfaces.Moreover, the inflation amount and internal pressure of balloon body 122can be varied to control the distance between bipolar electrodes 156 aand 156 b if the balloon body is made of compliant material. Theinflation amount and internal pressure can be controlled by adjustingthe amount of fluid dispensed into the internal chamber of balloon body122 (via outlet openings 136) (i.e., the inflation amount) and/or bymanipulating the position of distal end portion 134 of inner catheter130 relative to distal end portion 114 of outer catheter 110. Adjustmentof the inflation amount can be independent of or in conjunction with themanipulation of the relative position of the distal end portions of theinner and outer catheters.

As an illustration, in the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, when balloonbody 122 is inflated, proximal movement of inner catheter distal endportion 134 relative to outer catheter distal end portion 114 can pinchballoon distal portion 162 against outer catheter distal end portion114. This pinching action can cause a portion of balloon body 122 tocollapse into outer catheter lumen 116, forcing fluid in the interiorchamber of balloon body 122 into the remaining portion of balloon body122 outside of lumen 116. The additional fluid increases the internalpressure and can increase the flow rate of fluid from weeping holes 126.For electrode positioning at the distal end of the balloon body such asin the embodiment of FIG. 3A, proximal movement of inner catheter 130also pulls distal end 129 b of balloon body 122 proximally (via theirattachment at distal attachment portion 128), which causes electrodes156 a and 156 b to be pushed distally inward closer together. Forembodiments where proximal portion 166 of balloon body 122 is attachedto outer catheter distal end portion 114 (see FIGS. 1 and 2), distalmovement of inner catheter distal end portion 134 can elongate balloonbody 122, which can cause electrodes 156 a and 156 b to be pushed awayfrom each other, increasing their separation distance. The extent ofballoon elongation can change the shape of a complaint balloon body sothat electrodes 156 a and 156 b initially disposed at the distal end ofthe balloon body are moved to a side of the elongated balloon body.Additional fluid can be dispensed from inner catheter outlet openings136 to cause further expansion of the remaining portion of balloon body122 to change the fluid flow rate and/or the distance between electrodes156 a and 156 b. As should be apparent, manipulation of balloon shape(via inflation amount and/or relative movement of the inner and outercatheters) may achieve a different result for different electrodepositioning. For example, for electrodes on a side of the balloon bodysuch as in the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the remaining portion of balloonbody 122 (not collapsed in outer catheter 110) can expand under theincreased pressure if balloon body is compliant. This can causeelectrodes 156 a and 156 b to move apart despite distal end 129 b ofballoon body 122 being pulled proximally by proximal movement of innercatheter 130.

Weeping holes 126 can be configured to close when the balloon body isdeflated and open when the balloon body 122 is inflated to a givenminimum inflation amount and/or internal pressure. Increasing theinflation amount and/or internal pressure (beyond the minimum whichopens holes 126) can increase the flow rate of fluid from holes 126,which may be desired to control the temperature at the treatment site.The flow rate of the electrically conductive fluid can affect thethermal characteristics of the tissue. For RF applications for example,when the fluid is electrically conductive fluid, the fluid can act as aheat sink, absorbing and carrying away excess or undesirable thermalenergy resulting from electrically energizing electrodes 156 a and 156b. The electrically conductive fluid can also provide electricaldispersion by distributing the applied current over a larger surfacearea, thereby limiting the potential for undesirable thermalconcentration. An uncontrolled or abundant flow rate can provide toomuch electrical dispersion and cooling at the electrode/tissueinterface. On the other hand, a flow rate that is too low could lead toexcessive heat and arcing.

Moreover, the electrically conductive fluid can be used to help maintaintemperatures within ranges conducive to coagulation of tissue (e.g.,temperatures hot enough to denature the collagen and most soft tissueand bone, however not so hot that tissue is damaged to such an extentthat it cannot be easily absorbed back into the body during a healingprocess) as opposed to charred, desiccated tissue. Collagen shrinkage,which causes coagulation, is a function of time and temperature. At 100°C., coagulation occurs substantially instantaneously, and at highertemperatures there will also be coagulation. Coagulation can begin attemperatures lower than 100° C., but the coagulation may occur moregradually. Without fluid (e.g., saline) present at the tissue beingtreated, temperatures can quickly rise above 100° C., and at such highertemperatures there is a greater likelihood of tissue sticking andcharring. As one of skill in the art would appreciate, the time andtemperature applied can be varied to suit a particular use. An RF powersystem can be controlled by suitable software to obtain desired powerdelivery characteristics. For example, in some embodiments, a controldevice or custom generator can be configured to allow the user to selecta “pulse” mode of the RF power whereby the RF power to the balloonelectrode tip is repeatedly turned on and off. Pulsed RF power may helpeffectively treat thick tissues as would be would be recognized by oneof skill in the art. Moreover, in some embodiments, fluid flow ratesfrom weeping holes 126 can be controlled based on the applied RF powerto maintain temperatures at the treatment site within a desired range.

In embodiments described herein, saline has been provided as theexemplary electrically conductive fluid for filling balloon body 122 andexpelling through weeping holes 126; however other electricallyconductive fluids may be used alternatively or additionally, consistentwith the embodiments presented herein. The fluid for filling balloonbody 122 and expelling through weeping holes 126 may also comprise anelectrically non-conductive fluid (e.g., deionized water and lactatedringers). The use of a non-conductive fluid still provides certainadvantages over the use of a dry electrode including, for example,reduced occurrence of tissue sticking to the electrodes of the tipassemblies disclosed herein, and cooling of the electrodes and/ortissue.

In some embodiments, balloon electrode tip 120 (or 120′) is providedwith an inner balloon body (disposed inside the interior chamber ofballoon body 122). An inner balloon body can provide balloon electrodetip 120 with a double-wall construction that is more resistant todisplacement. The inner balloon body can serve as a support forelectrode tip 120 to enhance the stability of balloon body 122 and helpensure that the exposed electrode portions of electrodes 156 a and 156 bon distal portion 162 can be steadily placed in contact with targettissue. The outer balloon body 122 can be adjustably inflated with fluidto vary its shape or internal pressure to control fluid flow rate fromweeping holes 126, vary the distance between electrodes and/or achievedesired electrode contact on tissue surfaces. In some embodiments, theinner balloon body can always be filled with fluid once deployed(without adjustment).

An exemplary embodiment of a catheter assembly 200 having a double-wallconstruction formed by inner and outer balloons will now be describedwith reference to FIGS. 5-7. In these figures, elements with similar oridentical function and configuration as those previously described forcatheter assembly 100 are denoted with identical reference numbers, anddetailed explanation of such elements may be omitted or abbreviated inthe description that follows.

Catheter assembly 200 includes a double-walled balloon electrode tip 220having an outer balloon body 222 and an inner balloon body 272. Outerballoon body 222 has an exterior surface 224 (on which one or moreelectrodes are disposed, not shown) and an interior chamber 222 a withinwhich is disposed inner balloon body 272. Inner balloon body 272 has aninterior chamber 272 a. The distal end of inner balloon body 272 isattached to distal end portion 134 of inner catheter 130 at anattachment portion 278 a. The proximal end of inner balloon body 272 hasa throat 273 with a proximal opening 273 a for receiving distal endportion 134 of inner catheter 130 into interior chamber 272 a. Throat273 can have a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of innercatheter 130. Inner catheter 130 and throat 273 can have a fluid-tightsealing engagement at attachment portion 278 b (see FIG. 6), therebypermitting fluid dispensed from outlets in inner catheter 130 (such asoutlet openings 136, see FIGS. 1 and 2) to fill interior chamber 272 aof inner balloon body 272 and inflate inner balloon body 272. The distalend of outer balloon body 222 is also attached to distal end portion 134of inner catheter 130 at an attachment portion 228 (similar toearlier-described attachment portion 128 of balloon body 122). Outerballoon attachment portion 228 is located distally from inner balloonattachment portion 278 a. The proximal end of outer balloon body 222 isattached to distal end portion of 114 of outer catheter 110 (similar toearlier-described balloon body 122 of catheter assembly 100). In someembodiments, inner balloon body 272 and outer balloon body 222 areindependently inflatable. Fluid can be dispensed from outlets in innercatheter 130 (such as outlet openings 136, see FIGS. 1 and 2) intochamber 222 a of outer balloon body 222. Alternatively, fluid can bedispensed into chamber 222 a of outer balloon body 222 from outletsprovided in outer catheter 110. Alternatively, fluid can be dispensedinto chamber 222 a of outer balloon body 222 from fluid inflatingchamber 272 a of inner balloon body (e.g., via fluid outlet holesprovided in inner balloon body 272).

A ring (such as ring 140) can be used to attach outer balloon body 222to outer catheter 110, and a ring (such as ring 140′) can be used toattach throat 273 of inner balloon catheter 272 to inner catheter 130.The attachment configurations illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 5-7are exemplary only, and it should be understood that other methods asknown in the art can also be employed for attaching of the inner andouter balloon bodies 272 and 222 to the inner and outer catheters 130and 110. In some embodiments, outer balloon body 222 can have itsproximal end attached to inner catheter 130 instead of being attached toouter catheter 110 (similar to earlier-described balloon body 122 ofcatheter assembly 100′).

Electrode(s), weeping holes and fluid outlets in the balloon bodies andcatheters have been omitted from illustration in the views of FIGS. 5-7;however, it should be understood that catheter assembly 200 can beprovided with fluid outlet opening(s) (such as outlet openings 136) ininner catheter 130 for dispensing fluid to inflate inner balloon body272, and fluid outlet opening(s) in inner or outer catheters 130 and 110for inflating outer balloon body 222, as earlier described. It should beunderstood that catheter assembly 200 can also be provided with one ormore electrodes, including in some embodiments a bipolar electrode pair(such as electrodes 156 a and 156 b), and weeping holes (such as holes126) configured to provide fluid to the bipolar electrode pair, asearlier described. It should also be understood that any of the featuresof a balloon electrode tip described herein (including but not limitedto the features described with reference to a balloon electrode tiphaving a single balloon body, such as the features described withreference to catheter assemblies 100 and 100′ of FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, and4), are applicable to a double-wall balloon electrode tip having twoballoon bodies (e.g., balloon electrode tip 220 of catheter assembly200). Therefore, further detailed description of such features withrespect to embodiments of a double-wall balloon electrode tip is omittedfor brevity.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments of the devices andmethods described with reference to the Figures will so fully reveal thegeneral nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledgewithin the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for variousapplications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation,without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Forexample, as earlier noted, the balloon electrode can have a balloon bodyof any configuration or shape (e.g., tubular, spherical, etc.) and canbe various sizes, allowing the balloon to be designed for a myriad oftherapies. FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate perspective views of exemplary balloonshapes of balloon electrode tips 120 a, 120 b, and 120 c according toembodiments presented herein. In these illustrations, attachment ofballoon electrode tips 120 a, 120 b, and 120 c to inner catheter 130 isalso shown. Balloon electrode tip 120 a has a balloon body with anelliptical central portion tapering to opposite cylindrical end portionsthat attach to inner catheter 130 and have the same contour as innercatheter 130. Balloon electrode tip 120 b is similar to tip 120 a buthas a blunted distal end portion where the balloon body has been foldedinward to attach to inner catheter 130 (comparable to the attachmentconfigurations of balloon bodies 122 and 222 to inner catheter 130 inthe embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 5-7). Balloon electrode tip 120 chas a cylindrical balloon body having blunted proximal and distal endportions where the balloon body attaches at proximal and distal endsthereof to the inner catheter 130.

Also, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, a biocompatibleconductive wire can used for the one or more balloon electrodes in placeof a conductive ink electrode, and vice versa. Thus, conductive inkelectrodes 156 a and 156 b can be replaced with wire electrodes. In someembodiments, the exposed electrode portions of electrodes 156 a and 156b can be formed of conductive ink, and their lead portions 158 a and 158b can be formed of wire leads. In embodiments using wire electrodes onthe exterior surface of the balloon body, the wire electrode should beconfigured to extend with balloon expansion. An exemplary configurationof a wire electrode 156′ having a wire lead portion 158′ is illustratedin FIGS. 9A and 9B. As shown in FIG. 9A, a balloon electrode tip 120 dhas wire electrode 156′ provided on exterior surface 124 of a deflatedballoon body 122′. Wire lead portion 158′ has a zigzag configurationalong the length of deflated balloon body 122′. As shown in FIG. 9B,inflation of balloon body 122′ causes wire lead portion 158′ to extendlongitudinally and straighten. Thus, the prior zigzag configuration ofwire lead portion 158′ is straightened with balloon inflation.

Also, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the one or moreballoon electrodes can be placed anywhere on the exterior surface of theballoon body. As described above with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3 b, insome embodiments, a pair of bipolar electrodes (e.g., electrodes 156 aand 156 b) can be being disposed on the exterior surface the balloonbody (e.g., balloon body 122) at one of the side and the distal end ofthe balloon body. Other electrode placements can also be employed. Forexample, one electrode of a bipolar electrode pair can be placed at thedistal end of the balloon body and the other electrode can be placed atthe side. Another exemplary configuration of an electrode placement isillustrated in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 10, a balloon electrode tip 120e includes a pair of bipolar electrodes 156 a′ and 156 b′ provided onexterior surface 124 of a balloon body 122″. Balloon body 122″ has acylindrical central portion extending to a conically-shaped distal endportion. Bipolar electrodes 156 a′ and 156 b′ extend helically aroundthese cylindrical and conical portions of balloon body 122″. With such aconfiguration, energization of helical electrodes 156 a′ and 1566provides a greater tissue treatment area proximally (at the cylindricalportion) than distally (at the conical portion). The conical portion canprovide focused energy over a smaller tissue treatment area, which maybe particular useful for blunt dissection of tissue. The cylindricalportion, which can target a greater tissue treatment area, may beparticularly useful for tissue sealing.

In any of these embodiments of the exemplary balloon electrode tips 120a-e illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C, 9A-9B, and 10, a catheter assembly canconstitute the balloon electrode tip and the inner catheter 130. In someembodiments, the catheter assembly can further include outer catheter110 (see, e.g., FIGS. 1, 2, and 5-7). As earlier described, outercatheter 110 can be configured to house inner catheter 130 and alsohouse all or part of the collapsed balloon electrode tip. At the targetsurgical site, inner catheter distal end portion 134 can be extendedfrom outer catheter distal end portion 114, and the balloon electrodetip then deployed. As should be apparent, in any of these embodiments,balloon electrode tips 120 a-e can be modified to also attach to outercatheter 110 (comparable to the attachment configurations of balloonbody 122 and balloon body 222 in the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2 and 5-7).As also should be apparent, in any of these embodiments, balloonelectrode tips 120 a-e can be modified to have a double balloonconfiguration, i.e., be provided with an inner balloon body (such asinner balloon body 272) disposed within the chambers of the balloonbodies illustrated in FIGS. 8A-8C, 9A-9B, and 10.

Also, for example, in some embodiments the bipolar balloon electrodetips described herein can be used as a selectably monopolar tip,switchable between a bipolar mode and a monopolar mode. In the monopolarmode, at least one of the electrodes 156 a and 156 b is connected to apower generator so as to deliver energy as a monopolar (active)electrode, and there is no return electrode on the device (rather, aground pad on the patient may be used as known in the art). A monopolarelectrode system can be particularly suitable for ablating tissue. Insome embodiments, the monopolar electrode may be supplied with RF energy(including pulsed RF energy), ultrasonic energy, or any other suitableenergy for ablating tissue.

Therefore, it should be apparent that adaptations and modifications areintended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of thedisclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presentedherein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminologyherein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, suchthat the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is tobe interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings andguidance. The breadth and scope of the present invention should not belimited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but shouldbe defined only in accordance with the following claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A catheter assembly, comprising: a catheterincluding an elongated body having a distal end portion; and a balloonelectrode tip attached to the distal end portion of the catheter, theballoon electrode tip including: an inflatable balloon body formed of anon-conductive substrate material, a pair of bipolar electrodes disposedon an exterior surface of the balloon body, the pair of electrodesincluding a first electrode and a second electrode in a bipolarelectrode configuration, and at least one fluid outlet hole in theballoon body configured to provide a fluid from a fluid source to thepair of bipolar electrodes.
 2. The catheter assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a second catheter including a second elongated body having asecond distal end portion and a lumen, wherein the first catheter isdisposed within the lumen.
 3. The catheter assembly of claim 2, theballoon electrode tip further including a second inflatable balloon bodydisposed inside the first balloon body.
 4. The catheter assembly ofclaim 3, wherein the second balloon body has a proximal end and distalend each coupled to the distal end portion of the first catheter.
 5. Thecatheter assembly of claim 4, wherein the first balloon body has aproximal end and a distal end, the distal end being coupled to thedistal end portion of the first catheter, and the proximal end beingcoupled to the distal end portion of the second catheter.
 6. Thecatheter assembly of claim 3, wherein the first balloon body isconfigured to be adjustably inflated with the fluid from the fluidsource, wherein the fluid is a conductive fluid.
 7. The catheterassembly of claim 6, wherein the second balloon body is configured to beinflated with a fluid, wherein the fluid comprises one of a gas and aliquid.
 8. The catheter assembly of claim 3, wherein the first balloonbody is made of one of a compliant material and a non-compliantmaterial, and wherein the second balloon body is made of the other of anon-compliant material and a compliant material.
 9. The catheterassembly of claim 2, wherein the first catheter is slidably disposedwithin the lumen of the second catheter, and wherein the distal endportion of the first catheter is configured to be moveable relative tothe distal end portion of the second catheter such that at least aportion of the balloon electrode tip is selectively extendable out ofand retractable into the lumen at the distal end portion of the secondcatheter.
 10. The catheter assembly of claim 9, wherein the balloon bodyis made of a compliant material, wherein the compliant material includessilicone, and wherein the movement of the distal end portion of thefirst catheter relative to the distal end portion of the second catheteris configured to adjust a separation distance between the first andsecond electrodes.
 11. The catheter assembly of claim 2, wherein theballoon body has a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end beingcoupled to the distal end portion of the first catheter, and theproximal end being coupled to the distal end portion of the secondcatheter.
 12. The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the distal endportion of the catheter has at least one fluid outlet configured toprovide the fluid from the fluid source into a chamber formed by theballoon body so as to inflate the balloon body with the fluid.
 13. Thecatheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the balloon body is made of acompliant material, wherein the compliant material includes silicone.14. The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the fluid from the fluidsource is a conductive fluid, and wherein the conductive fluid issaline.
 15. The catheter assembly of claim 14, wherein the at least onefluid outlet hole comprises a plurality of fluid outlet holes located inthe balloon body in a region extending between the pair of bipolarelectrodes so as to provide a conductive pathway of saline thatelectrically connects the pair of bipolar electrodes.
 16. The catheterassembly of claim 1, wherein the balloon body has a proximal end and adistal end each coupled to the distal end portion of the catheter. 17.The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein the balloon body has a sideand a distal end, the pair of electrodes being disposed on the exteriorsurface at one of the side and the distal end of the balloon body. 18.The catheter assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the firstelectrode and the second electrode is formed of a conductive inkdisposed on the substrate material forming the balloon body.
 19. Thecatheter assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the firstelectrode and the second electrode is formed of a wire disposed on thesubstrate material forming the balloon body.
 20. A catheter assembly,comprising: a first catheter including a first elongated body having afirst distal end portion; a second catheter including a second elongatedbody having a second distal end portion and a lumen, wherein the firstcatheter is disposed within the lumen; and a balloon electrode tipattached to the first distal end portion, the balloon electrode tipincluding: an outer inflatable balloon body formed of a non-conductivesubstrate material, an inner inflatable balloon body disposed inside theouter inflatable balloon body, and an electrode disposed on an exteriorsurface of the outer balloon body.
 21. The catheter assembly of claim20, further comprising a second electrode disposed on an exteriorsurface of the outer balloon body, the first electrode and the secondelectrode having a bipolar electrode configuration.
 22. The catheterassembly of claim 21, further comprising at least one fluid outlet holein the outer balloon body configured to provide a fluid from a fluidsource to the first and second electrodes.
 23. The catheter assembly ofclaim 21, wherein the first catheter is slidably disposed within thelumen of the second catheter, wherein the first distal end portion isconfigured to be moveable relative to the second distal end portion sothat at least a portion of the first distal end portion is selectivelyextendable out of and retractable into the lumen at the second distalend portion, wherein the movement of the first distal end portionrelative to the second distal end portion adjusts a separation distancebetween the first and second electrodes.
 24. An electrosurgical balloon,comprising: an inflatable balloon body, wherein the balloon body isformed of a non-conductive substrate material; a pair of bipolarelectrodes disposed on an exterior surface of the balloon body, the pairof electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode in abipolar electrode configuration; and at least one fluid outlet hole inthe balloon body configured to provide a conductive fluid from a fluidsource to the pair of bipolar electrodes.
 25. The electrosurgicalballoon of claim 24, wherein the balloon body is configured to beadjustably inflated with the conductive fluid from the fluid source. 26.The electrosurgical balloon of claim 25, wherein adjustment of an amountof inflation of the balloon body is configured to adjust a separationdistance between the first and second electrodes.
 27. A method fortreating tissue using electrical energy, comprising: providingradio-frequency energy to a bipolar balloon electrode tip attached to adistal end portion of a catheter, wherein the balloon electrode tipincludes an balloon body inflated with a conductive fluid and having apair of bipolar electrodes disposed on an exterior surface of theballoon body, the balloon body being formed of a non-conductivesubstrate material; contacting targeted tissue with the energizedbipolar balloon electrode tip; and discharging a portion of theconductive fluid from a fluid outlet hole in the balloon body toelectrically couple the pair of electrodes disposed on an exteriorsurface of the balloon body, wherein the fluid provides a conductivepathway for energy to flow between the pair of electrodes.